joshua31199

I have a 2017 F150 Xl STX trim. It has the 2.7 Ecoboost motor. I didn't purchase the tow package, but the truck has a tow hitch receiver. I've read that the truck can tow 7600 lbs. But if I didn't purchase the the tow package, can I still tow with the truck? Is it safe?

I was thinking of towing a travel trailer that will have a gvwr of around 5000 lbs.

tom231

Of course you can tow with it. If it has the receiver and trailer light hook up, that's all you need!

F451

I bought the same truck a couple of months ago, sounds like the same configuration, and yes, as stated above, you can tow.

At a minimum I would recommend installing the Ford OEM trailer brake controller as I'm guessing your STX does not have it already, mine did not.

You can buy the Ford brake controller switch unit which plugs right to the wiring harness but does involve some simple, but fiddly, removal and re-install of some dash panels and then you will need to enable the brake controller using ForScan.

In order to use ForScan you need to have a OBDI II plug in, another expense.

Or of course your local dealer can take care of all of this for you but its pretty simple to do yourself and way cheaper.

I just got back from an 800 mile tow from Seattle to Sacramento, towing about 4500 lbs plus additional cargo in the truck. Before I left I installed Bilstein shocks front and rear, Hellwig sway bars front and rear, and Add-A-Leaf helper leaf springs in the rear.

These suspension items are not a necessity, but coming from a F250 diesel, I wanted to beef up the suspension before our big trip. The stock shocks are terrible so I can't imagine towing with them for any distance, but it can be done.

Bottom line, yes you can tow. If you want to tow more safely, and/or like a little more safety margin, I recommend looking into some of the items I mentioned, especially the brake controller and shocks.

joshua31199

Thank you all for the response. That gives me a piece of mind. I really enjoy what I bought and I'm looking forward to towing the TT. Thanks

F451

Don't forget to engage the "Tow" mode, it optimizes the transmission shift points and holds gears longer when slowing down, definitely helps with towing. The button is on the end of the column shifter, press once for Tow mode and it will display on the dash screen "Tow".

And if you're not aware, click the button twice and you get "Sport" mode. Not recommended for towing but it makes the already quick and responsive 2.7 even more so. Once engaged it will display an "S" on the dash screen. Hella fun.

Enjoy your new rig, I love mine.

Z7What

You didnt get the tow package but it has a reciever hitch? That is the tow package!


Do you mean you didnt get the Max Tow Package?

Wayne

joshua31199

All I have is the 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness and the class iv trailer hitch receiver.

F451

Same here.

My window sticker doesn't say anything about a tow package, but it does list the hitch as a separate line item.

It really should include the factory brake controller if it has the hitch and the 4 pin/7pin wiring harness IMO, but it doesn't.

E. Manuel

If you have a hitch, you have a tow package. Unless the hitch was a dealer add-on.

joshua31199

I am new to all this...will there also be an issue about not having the transmission oil cooler?